Nicholas Sparks Comes To TV With “Chapter”

ABC has handed out a script commitment for “The Next Chapter,” a new single-camera comedy TV project from romance novel king Nicholas Sparks (“The Notebook,” “The Longest Ride”).

Based on a pitch from writer Austin Winsberg (“Gossip Girl”), the story follows a top-selling romance novelist who goes through a divorce and not only begins to question his belief in love, but must also learn to date again and live on his own while dealing with the pressures of his public persona.

The story will be loosely based on Sparks’ new life as a single man as he separated from his wife of 25 years in January. Winsberg will pen the script and executive produce.

Sparks attempted television before with the Lifetime telemovie “Deliverance Creek” which did not go forward to series. The CW is also presently developing a TV reboot of “The Notebook”.